Independent (Julia Anna Maier)

I’m a doctoral candidate at the UniSA Business (University of South Australia) researching Australian social enterprises. My PhD focuses on the challenges faced by founders, particularly women founders, and aims to develop practical strategies that help organisations stay true to their mission while balancing commercial realities. Alongside my research, I lecture in Business & Society at UniSA, linking ethics, sustainability, and cross-sector relationships (business–government–not-for-profit) to build students’ capability to contribute to a more sustainable society. Before starting my PhD journey, I worked as a social worker (Master of Arts in Case Management and Counselling) for the German government’s child protection services. I began my not-for-profit experience as deputy head of a kindergarten. I’m passionate about gender diversity and the exploration of gender stereotypes—an interest that began with my bachelor’s thesis on the development of gender stereotypes in children’s books in Germany. I also bring industry experience from working as an occupational (workplace) social worker in health management and wellbeing at Munich Airport, Germany. During my master’s, I had the opportunity to study the Norwegian welfare system, which inspired my interest in organisations and international work. These experiences ground my research and drive me to translate evidence into practice and action, supporting organisations that positively impact people and Country. Let’s build business that aim to create a better world!